Kusal Mendis Takes Charge as President of Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association

Kusal Mendis Appointed President of SLPCA

Colombo [Sri Lanka], August 8: Kusal Mendis, the captain of Sri Lanka's men's white-ball cricket team, has been appointed as the inaugural president of the newly established Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association (SLPCA).

The SLPCA was officially launched on Saturday, with the support of notable players such as women's captain Chamari Athapaththu and allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga. The association aims to provide a unified and independent voice for professional cricketers in Sri Lanka.

According to a media release, the establishment of the SLPCA is timely, coinciding with a period of positive developments and reforms in Sri Lankan cricket. This includes efforts by the transformation committee to enhance governance and modernize the domestic cricket structure.

"In addition to the ongoing governance reforms, having a well-organized player representation is crucial for fostering a modern and collaborative cricket environment that aligns with international standards," the release stated.

The launch occurs during a time of significant administrative changes within Sri Lankan cricket, as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is undergoing a major reform initiative led by a temporary, government-appointed Cricket Transformation Committee.

The creation of the players' association marks a significant step towards modernizing the sport in the country, with a new constitution also being developed.

The SLPCA is affiliated with the World Cricketers' Association (WCA), which represents professional cricketers globally. This affiliation allows Sri Lankan players to access WCA's international programs, welfare systems, and advocacy networks, areas where they have previously lacked structured representation.

As the president of SLPCA, Kusal expressed pride in establishing the association to represent Sri Lankan players during this pivotal time and emphasized the importance of collaborating with Sri Lanka Cricket, the Transformation Committee, and other stakeholders to foster the growth of cricket.